Awwww - thank you, thank you, thank you! This was extra sweet and absolutely adorable. I loved Lassie reacting to emergency like the well-trained individual he is - and loved how his friends immediately rushed to his side without a single momento of hesitation, like the good makeshift family they are. And Carlton confessing his true feelings because he thinks himself on the verge of death - there, that was absolutely on-spot and weirdly in character: as serious a person as Carlton Lassiter wouldn't want to pass away without making things clear and leaving his business in order. And it's so typical of him, not letting Jules the time to explain and then practically cursing himself for being still alive and forced to live with the consequences of his confession... which turn out not to be as dire as he thought, but still.
The ending was so very cute and fuzzy-feels-inducing, too. Gus and Shawn not rubbing it in, because deep down they care, and Carlton realizing maybe he can survive having his feelings out in the open now and then.
By the way, I'm terribly sorry I didn't answer your inquiry about Marlowe right away, author! For future ref, I'm down with a dash of romance if well-done ;D
Thank you so, so much for taking the time to write this and gift me with a perfect, Lassie-whumpy holiday story. It's much appreciated, and a real little jewel of Psychness. And I feel like I'm going to read this again - and again and again...